Promoters of annual 'Freaknik' event cancel Panama City Beach party after concerns from public

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – The promoters of an event billed as "Freaknik" are calling off their annual gathering at Panama City Beach because of public reaction to a sexual assault and to a house party during spring break.

The News Herald of Panama City (http://bit.ly/1Hw96MC ) reports that Jeremy Russell of L-Block Promotions sent the Bay County Sheriff's Office a letter Thursday canceling the party at the Palms Conference Center.

Sheriff's officials say they had been in contact with the promoter for days to reach a conclusion. Sheriff Frank McKeithen had asked the Bay County Commission for up $40,000 to cover costs of extra patrols.

The event called for "Southeast Georgia to take over Panama City." Promoters said it wasn't affiliated with spring break and one organizer said it was a "reunion" of 300 to 400 people.